Olney Hymns · Chapter
Peter Walking Upon the Water explained
This poem by Newton reflects on the biblical account of Peter walking on water, using it as an allegory for the believer's journey of faith.
What happens
This poem by Newton reflects on the biblical account of Peter walking on water, using it as an allegory for the believer's journey of faith. It begins with Jesus calming the sea and giving peace to troubled souls, then moves to Peter's request to come to Jesus on the water. The speaker identifies with Peter, longing to prove their devotion, but when they take their eyes off Jesus, they sink and cry out for salvation. Jesus reaches out, rebukes their fear, and reassures them of His constant presence and promise to hold them up and guide them safely through life's storms.
Themes in this chapter
Faith and Trust in Christ
The poem emphasizes the necessity of keeping one's eyes on Jesus, as Peter's faith falters when he looks away.
Grace and Unmerited Favor
Jesus' immediate rescue of Peter despite his doubt illustrates unmerited favor and mercy.
Characters to notice
- Jesus Christ
Calms the sea, comes to Peter on the waves, gives peace, and rescues Peter when he sinks.
- Peter
Walks on water at Jesus' command, but sinks when he turns his eyes away; cries out for salvation.
- The Narrator
The speaker identifies with Peter, expressing a desire to follow Jesus and experiencing the same fear and rescue.
Key passages
“A word from Jesus calms the sea, The stormy wind controls, And gives repose and liberty To tempest-tossed souls.”
Jesus' command brings peace to the raging sea and freedom to troubled hearts.
Highlights Jesus' authority over nature and His ability to bring calm to the soul.
“To Peter on the waves he came, And gave him instant peace; Thus he to me reveal’d his name, And bade my sorrows cease.”
Jesus came to Peter walking on the water and immediately gave him peace; in the same way, He reveals Himself to me and ends my grief.
The speaker sees a parallel between Peter's experience and his own encounter with Jesus.
“But when from him I turn’d my eye, How was my soul dismay’d!”
But when I looked away from Jesus, my soul was filled with terror.
The danger of taking one's focus off Christ, leading to fear and doubt.
“Kindly he caught me by the hand, And said, “Why dost thou fear Since thou art come at my command. And I am always near?”
He graciously grabbed my hand and said, 'Why are you afraid? You came because I called you, and I am always with you.'
Jesus' gentle rebuke and reassurance of His constant presence.